Part 22 (1/2)
”Oh yes, of course!” she said with a little toss of her head. ”There is no danger in saying that now.”
”I wouldn't care if there was.”
”It is easy to smooth down the serpent when the fangs are drawn,” she laughed back.
”What an extraordinary comparison!” he exclaimed. ”But where are all the people going? It isn't all over, I hope.”
”Why, what do you want to stay for? You're not dancing.”
”That is the reason. Unless I dance with you.”
”And then you would want to go?” she flashed with mock resentment.
”I see you're too sharp for me,” he said lugubriously. ”Roughing it among the Boers makes a fellow a bit dull in compliments.”
”Dull indeed!” said Hannah, drawing herself up with great seriousness.
”I think you're more complimentary than you have a right to be to a married woman.”
His face fell. ”Oh, I didn't mean anything,” he said apologetically.
”So I thought,” retorted Hannah.
The poor fellow grew more red and confused than ever. Hannah felt quite sympathetic with him now, so pleased was she at the humiliated condition to which she had brought the young man from the Cape.
”Well, I'll say good-bye,” he said awkwardly. ”I suppose I mustn't ask to take you down to supper. I dare say your husband will want that privilege.”
”I dare say,” replied Hannah smiling. ”Although husbands do not always appreciate their privileges.”
”I shall be glad if yours doesn't,” he burst forth.
”Thank you for your good wishes for my domestic happiness,” she said severely.
”Oh, why will you misconstrue everything I say?” he pleaded. ”You must think me an awful _Schlemihl_, putting my foot into it so often. Anyhow I hope I shall meet you again somewhere.”
”The world is very small,” she reminded him.
”I wish I knew your husband,” he said ruefully.
”Why?” said Hannah, innocently.
”Because I could call on him,” he replied, smiling.
”Well, you do know him,” she could not help saying.
”Do I? Who is it? I don't think I do,” he exclaimed.
”Well, considering he introduced you to me!”
”Sam!” cried David startled.